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Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Reliability of sexual dimorphism in blood
Background:
Demonstration of sex chromatin forms an important aspect of human genetics. It also establishes the interrelationship between sex chromatin and an inactive X-chromosome. The term "sex chromatin" in blood refers to the "Drumsticks of polymorphonuclear leukocytes" or "Davidson's bodies".
Objective:
This correlative study evaluates the presence of these drumsticks quantitatively and also highlights the concept of blood chimaerism in humans.
Method:
Leishman-stained peripheral blood smears from 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females) were obtained and studied under bright-field microscope (40X) for presence of Drumstick appendages.
Results And Conclusion:
On comparing mean numbers of Davidson's bodies in females and males, an extremely significant correlation (P < 0.0001) was seen. Hence, it could be surmised that the presence of appendages in neutrophils (Drumstick bodies) can be useful in gender differentiation.
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